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What’s a Calibration Technician?

Some of the nuances in the DOT regulations are the training requirements to perform Accuracy Checks and to perform Calibration Adjustments. Because so many people confuse the calibration terminology we’ll begin with a review of these two procedures.

Accuracy Check (also called Calibration Verification, Calibration Check, External Calibration Check…) is a procedure that is usually performed at least once a month, after a positive confirmation test, and after a Calibration Adjustment. The Accuracy Check procedure documents that the instrument is reading accurately.

The Calibration Adjustment (sometimes called Calibration) procedure is performed when an Accuracy Check procedure shows that the device is no longer giving accurate readings. A few manufacturers require a Calibration Adjustment annually. (Intoximeters does not require annual calibration adjustments). A Calibration Adjustment makes the device read higher or lower, as necessary, to give accurate results.

The Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT) training curriculum does not require students to be trained on either the Accuracy Check procedure or the Calibration Adjustment procedure. However, a BAT who performs Accuracy Checks must receive training on performing the procedure in order to be qualified to perform Accuracy Checks.

BATs who receive additional training on the Calibration Adjustment procedure may receive certification as a Calibration Technician. Only BATs who are certified as Calibration Technicians may perform the Calibration Adjustment procedure. The Calibration Technician certification typically is documented on a student’s BAT certificate.

AlcoPro typically trains all BAT students to perform Accuracy Check procedures and also certifies students as Calibration Technicians.